Chalet Bedroom

Chalet Entrance

Chalet Lounge

Chalet View From Waterhole

Lapa

Lapa View From Garden

THE AFRICAT PROGRAMME:

The AfriCat Foundation is a registered, Namibian-based, non-profit organization (# T48/93), dedicated to the protection and conservation of Namibian’s Large Carnivores in their natural habitat. AfriCat actively supports the long term survival of Namibia’s large carnivores through Environmental Education, Research, Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation and Community Support programmes. Okonjima is home to the headquarters of AfriCat, whereas AfriCat North, is based along Etosha’s south-western boundary,

AfriCat has grown significantly since its inception and has over the years identified the need to include a focus on education, community support, research and rehabilitation as being essential to accomplishing our new mission: to make a significant contribution to CONSERVATION through EDUCATION, while still striving towards the long term survival of Namibia’s predators in their natural habitat. Visitors will be able to observe some of this programme at work and learn more about these amazing and beautiful animals.

LEOPARD VIEWING:

The leopard is the most adaptable of all the wild cats and has the widest distribution. Leopards are frequently seen on Okonjima, giving visitors an opportunity to observe these magnificent predators that are ‘radio-tracked’ from our game-viewing vehicles. The leopards roam freely and catch their own prey within the 20 000ha / 200km2 nature reserve. These solitary cats however, are elusive and roam huge, sometimes mountainous terrain and acacia thickets, and therefore sightings are not guaranteed.

LARGE CARNIVORE TRACKING ON FOOT:

Okonjima guests are invited to participate on foot in the radio-tracking of the ‘rehabilitated carnivores‘ on the Tracking Trail within the 20 000ha / 200km2 rehabilitation nature reserve.

THE CHEETAH PROJECT:

Offers visitors a valuable insight into the ‘welfare work’ of The AfriCat Foundation. At AfriCat HQ, over the past 2 decades, the ‘Rescue and Release Programme’ developed as a result of our relationship with the farming community. The welfare, in turn, was a by-product of the ‘Rescue and Release Programme’. Some of the ‘ambassadors’ in our care are young, fit and wild enough to be part of our ‘Rehabilitation Project’. There are, however, some cheetahs and leopards too old or tame to go back into the wild. These individuals are going to live out their lives under the expert care of the AfriCat team and continue to be “ambassadors” for their wild counter-parts, but some of the cheetahs you will see at AfriCat’s Carnivore Care Centre, are in-line to be rehabilitated into the private Okonjima Nature Reserve and are patiently awaiting their turn to get a second chance to go back into the wild.

Are able to observe some of this programme’s work and learn more about these endangered, amazing & beautiful animals!

PLEASE NOTE: Tracking of the rehabilitated carnivores in the 200km2 Okonjima Reserve is reserved for guests staying at one of Okonjima’s lodges.

BUSHMAN TRAIL: Experience a day in the life of a Bushman. It constitutes an easy walking trail and is highly informative. Guests get to learn about the art of making traditional artefacts and how the San adapt and survive in an unforgiving wilderness environment. Participation is welcomed!

NOCTURNAL GAME DRIVE: After dinner, guests are invited to join a guided, nature-drive in the 20 000ha / 200km² private, Okonjima Nature Reserve.

NATURE TRAIL:Self-guided walking trails of up to 8 km, for those guests who want to spend some time alone in the solitude of the Okonjima wilderness.

BIRD WATCHING: Identify some of the more than 250+ species in the area, including some of the Namibian endemics – Carp’s Black Tit, Hartlaub’s Francolin and the (Damara) Rock Runner.

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS VIEWED FROM A HIDE:

BUSH CAMP GUESTS ONLY! At the nocturnal hide visitors may view after-dinner ‘Nightlife’ such as porcupine, honey-badgers and caracal, amongst others. Plains Camp, The Villa and Bush Suite guests do not visit the nocturnal hide. If Bush Suite guests wish to join the Bush Camp guests during their after-dinner activity –prior notice must be given! The Villa & Bush Suite guests will have the possibility to view night life from their private ‘flood-lit’ water holes.

SWIMMING: Guests are welcome to make use of the pool at any time of the day or night. All camps have their own swimming pool.

PHOTOGRAPHY: With the abundance of animals and bird life and spectacular scenery, Okonjima is a photographer’s paradise. Be sure to advise your clients to bring plenty of film (for the old cameras) and many memory cards for the new!!

PHOTOGRAPHERS TAKE NOTE:

Due to the specific nature of our rehabilitation project – many of the free roaming cats on OKONJIMA are radio-collared. ALL cats that are part of AfriCat’s Carnivore Care programme, are NOT radio-collared.

PILOTS & GUIDES:
At rates above guides and pilots must be prepared to sleep in LUX. EN-SUITE TENTS and can only participate on activities if space is available.

CHILDREN:Due to the nature of our activities, child participation is restricted, depending on age and activity.

NO TRACKING ON FOOT in the Okonjima Nature Reserve, for children under 12 years of age.
Parents will have to sign a special indemnity taking full responsibility for any children under the age of 16 years.

Each exclusive chalet enjoys complete privacy, and is a unique combination of earthy ochre walls, glass windows and khaki-green canvas, under a thatched roof.

Each chalet is equipped with: 2 queen-size beds, a desk with a telephone to contact reception, 2 comfortable leather chairs. Each Sala is equipped with: a lounge area with mini-bar, 2 couches and a coffee/tea station for that early morning ‘cuppa’.

A Lapa in the form of the indigenous ‘camelthorn’ pod and a secluded swimming pool.

All chalets are between 80m – 100m apart from each other. For those who wish to feel the closeness of nature, the lounge | sala at each chalet is completely open to the front, with an unrestricted view, so guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush.

In front of each chalet, a birdbath is visited by a variety of birds and small mammals.

The extensive ‘camelthorn’ shaped Lapa, encompasses the reception area and curio-shop, a cosy lounge with four rustic inside fire-places, an outside fire-place, a kitchen and dining area – all overlooking a waterhole.

The main Lapa, Junior-Suite and Chalets have Wi-Fi (Hotspot) internet facilities and cell phone reception and under-cover, private parking.

Tours

Chalet Bedroom

Chalet Entrance

Chalet Lounge

Chalet View From Waterhole

Lapa

Lapa View From Garden

Photo Gallery

Activities

THE AFRICAT FOUNDATION: Okonjima is home to the headquarters of AfriCat. AfriCat is a non-profit organisation set up to conserve and protect threatened cheetah, leopard, and other wild carnivores of Namibia. AfriCat has grown significantly since its inception and has over the years identified the need to include a focus on education, community support, research and rehabilitation as being essential to accomplishing our new mission: to make a significant contribution to CONSERVATION through EDUCATION, while still striving towards the long term survival of Namibia’s predators in their natural habitat. Visitors will be able to observe some of this programme at work and learn more about these amazing and beautiful animals. www.africat.org

LEOPARD VIEWING: The leopard is the most adaptable of all the wild cats and has the widest distribution. Leopards are frequently seen on Okonjima, giving visitors an opportunity to observe these magnificent predators that are ‘radio-tracked’ from our game-viewing vehicles. The leopards roam freely and catch their own prey within the 20 000ha / 200km2 nature reserve. These solitary cats however, are elusive and roam huge, sometimes mountainous terrain and acacia thickets, and therefore sightings are not guaranteed.

THE CHEETAH PROJECT: Offers visitors a valuable insight into the ‘welfare work’ of The AfriCat Foundation. At AfriCat HQ, over the past 2 decades, the ‘Rescue and Release Programme’ developed as a result of our relationship with the farming community. The welfare, in turn, was a by-product of the ‘Rescue and Release Programme’. Some of the ‘ambassadors’ in our care are young, fit and wild enough to be part of our ‘Rehabilitation Project’. There are, however, some cheetahs and leopards too old or tame to go back into the wild. These individuals are going to live out their lives under the expert care of the AfriCat team and continue to be “ambassadors” for their wild counter-parts, but some of the cheetahs you will see at AfriCat’s Carnivore Care Centre, are in-line to be rehabilitated into the private Okonjima Nature Reserve and are patiently awaiting their turn to get a second chance to go back into the wild. http://www.africat.org/program/carnivore-care

LARGE CARNIVORE TRACKING ON FOOT: Okonjima guests are invited to participate on foot in the radio-tracking of the rehabilitated Cheetahs, Wild Dogs or the Spotted Hyaenas on the Tracking Trail within the 20 000ha / 200km2 rehabilitation nature reserve. http://www.africat.org/program/rehabilitation

(PLEASE NOTE: Tracking of the rehabilitated carnivores in the 200km2 Okonjima Reserve is reserved for guests staying at one of Okonjima’s lodges.)

BUSHMAN TRAIL: Experience a day in the life of a Bushman. It constitutes an easy walking trail and is highly informative. Guests get to learn about the art of making traditional artefacts and how the San adapt and survive in an unforgiving wilderness environment. Participation is welcomed!

NOCTURNAL GAME DRIVE: After dinner, guests are invited to join a guided, nature-drive in the 20 000ha / 200km² private, Okonjima Nature Reserve.

NATURE TRAIL:Self-guided walking trails of up to 8 km, for those guests who want to spend some time alone in the solitude of the Okonjima wilderness.

BIRD WATCHING: Identify some of the more than 250+ species in the area, including some of the Namibian endemics – Carp’s Black Tit, Hartlaub’s Francolin and the (Damara) Rock Runner.

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS VIEWED FROM A HIDE:

BUSH CAMP GUESTS ONLY! At the nocturnal hide visitors may view after-dinner ‘Nightlife’ such as porcupine, honey-badgers and caracal, amongst others. Plains Camp, The Villa and Bush Suite guests do not visit the nocturnal hide. If Bush Suite guests wish to join the Bush Camp guests during their after-dinner activity –prior notice must be given! The Villa & Bush Suite guests will have the possibility to view night life from their private ‘flood-lit’ water holes.

(PLAINS CAMP: We are no longer offering the night-hide activity after dinner to Plains Camp guests, due to lodge size | pax and logistics. Guest are more than welcome to join or enquire about a ‘Night-Drive’ after dinner at reception.) (additional cost)

SWIMMING: Guests are welcome to make use of the pool at any time of the day or night. All camps have their own swimming pool.

PHOTOGRAPHY: With the abundance of animals and bird life and spectacular scenery, Okonjima is a photographer’s paradise. Be sure to advise your clients to bring plenty of film (for the old cameras) and many memory cards for the new!!

PHOTOGRAPHERS TAKE NOTE:

Due to the specific nature of our rehabilitation project – many of the free roaming cats on OKONJIMA are radio-collared. ALL cats that are part of AfriCat’s Carnivore Care programme, are NOT radio-collared.

PILOTS & GUIDES:
At rates above guides and pilots must be prepared to sleep in LUX. EN-SUITE TENTS and can only participate on activities if space is available.

CHILDREN:Due to the nature of our activities, child participation is restricted, depending on age and activity.NO TRACKING ON FOOT in the Okonjima Nature Reserve, for children under 12 years of age.
Parents will have to sign a special indemnity taking full responsibility for any children under the age of 16 years.

Okonjima reserves the right to amend these rates as and when necessary!

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Heard About Africat? Donate & Help Us Continue our Vital Work!

The AfriCat Foundation’s headquarters are based in the 200 square kilometre private Okonjima Nature Reserve, located 50 kilometres south of Otjiwarongo in central Namibia. The AfriCat Foundation was founded in the early 1990s and formally registered as a non-profit organisation in August 1993. The Foundation’s northern operation, AfriCat North, is based along Etosha National Park’s south-western boundary, and strives to mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict on commercial farmland, especially with regards to the lion (panthera leo), by educating Namibia’s youth, encouraging adapted livestock management, and conducting essential research and monitoring of wild lion populations.

AfriCat has since grown significantly and what started out primarily as a welfare organisation has, over the years, identified the need to include a focus on education and research as being essential to accomplishing its mission - the long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores.